What started as a conversation at a networking event in 2023 has grown into a brilliant partnership between The Red Hen Project and Cambridge City Football Club – one that’s benefiting children in CB4 and the club’s young players alike.
It all began when Mike Mair, then U15s coach, shared his passion for football and his desire to give his team meaningful coaching experience. Together, we imagined a way to combine that with Red Hen’s mission: to create exciting opportunities for children during the school holidays, especially those who might not otherwise have access to them.
Since then, we’ve run five holiday football coaching sessions, each welcoming over 30 children. These sessions have been designed and delivered by the U15s and U16s teams, supported by their coaches, and have taken place during Easter and Summer breaks.
For the children, it’s been a chance to learn new skills, build confidence, and have fun in a safe and supportive environment. For the young footballers, it’s been an opportunity to develop leadership, communication, and coaching skills – and to see the impact they can have off the pitch.
The sessions have also been supported by the Cambridge City Supporters Trust and parents, who’ve provided goodie bags, food, and drinks for families attending – adding an extra layer of care and community spirit.
We’re incredibly proud of how this partnership has grown and evolved, with different teams and coaches stepping up to keep the momentum going. It’s a fantastic example of how local organisations can work together to create meaningful experiences for everyone involved.
Special thanks to Alice Dewey, Mike Mair, Steve Plumb, John Harvey, Shaun Harrington, Mark Tyler, and the U15/16 teams and their parents who’ve been part of this journey since our first session in August 2023.
📩 Want to help us keep the ball rolling? Get in touch:givesupport@redhenproject.org
⚽ Together, we’re creating opportunities that go far beyond the pitch.
